Reduce costs, reduce headaches: Use these tips to have a lower energy bill this year

1. Maximize the energy efficiency of your windows. If your home’s windows are very old, that means they’re probably also very inefficient. It might be time for a more cost-effective, energy-efficient upgrade. You have two options in this case—you could either install brand-new energy-efficient windows in your home or if your budget is tight, there are improvements you can simply apply to your current windows. Outfitting your home with new, energy-efficient vinyl windows is a great way to trap heat inside your home and will eventually pay for themselves within a few years through reduced heating costs. But if a new set of windows is outside your price range, you can improve the efficiency of your current windows by adding storm windows, caulking, and weather stripping, along with various other window treatments or coverings. Standard windows are susceptible to heat loss in all kinds of ways: direct conduction through the glass, glazing, or frame, radiation of heat out of your house caused by room temperature objects like people, furniture, and interior walls, and air leakage through and around the untreated glass. Professionally selected, designed, and installed energy-efficient windows could do wonders for your heating costs this winter.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats have become hugely popular as of late due to their unparalleled comfort, convenience, and most of all, energy-saving benefits. These high-tech thermostats save both energy and money by letting homeowners set and automatically control the ideal temperature for their homes. Preset your thermostat to lower your indoor temperature late at night when you and your family are in bed, warm under the covers. But don’t forget to tell it to kick on in the early morning so the house is warm and comfortable by the time everyone is awake. Many models even come with a remote control function, so if you get to work only to remember you left your furnace going full blast, you can simply switch off your thermostat from the comfort of your office. If you’re looking to cut back heating expenses this winter, look no further. With a quality programmable thermostat, you will typically see the return on your investment within one year—when installed and used properly, these devices can save homeowners up to $180 annually!
3. Change your air filter regularly. Now here is an easily remedied mistake that we still see all too often. Especially during the coldest months of the year when your furnace is getting the heaviest use, you should be checking your air filter (and replacing it, if necessary). If the filter looks dirty after a month, don’t hesitate—change it! At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months, even if it appears clean. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work double-time to keep your home, wasting immense amounts of energy in the process. If you don’t check your heating filter religiously, you’re bound to find out it’s dirty in the most unpleasant way possible—on your utility bill! Wasted energy is still energy that must be paid for. A clean, fresh filter is one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck out of your energy bill. Regular filter changes will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the furnace unit, which can lead to expensive repairs, maintenance, or early system failure in the not-too-distant future.

Call Feehan today to learn what else you can do to keep your energy bills low while you stay warm this winter!